The Asheville citizen. [volume] (Asheville, N.C.) 1885-1889, 1887-03-17
iFor the ASheville CITIZEN.
AN INTERESTING LETTER FROM
CHEROKEE.

Messrs. Editors After a prelonge
absence from the columns of your most
excellent paper. now resume the pleas
ant task of social chat with your num-
erous readers Many, and important
changes have occurred in our section Of
countr~ since 1 last entered eur a-n..
tum, all tending toward the develop
ment and upbuilding of our splendid
country. Though citizen of Clay Giving
very near the line) my interests are
closely identified with those of Cherokee,
for on her soil and in the midst of her
good people the greater portion of my
life has been spent; and there in uadis-
turbed repose rest the ashes of fond ones
who have crossed to the stother shore" !"
To one who has watched the progress of
events, it is inspiring to note the mater
ial progress of Cherokee county. Situa
ted in the extreme western limits of the
State and hitherto isolated from tbs
outside world of progress, she sat
Queen, enthroned AMID her lofty noun
tains, and sparkling waters, seemingly
born to blush unseen. But the scream
of the locomotive has echoed and rever-
berated amid her hills and the living
tide of immigration, which is 10 polish
This jewel, has set in to receive new i'm
peTus, until Cherokee shall flash as the
most resplendent gem in the States cor
onet. With climate unsurpassed, soil
the most productive, fine water power
for all mechanical purposes in great
abundance, and the most lovely, and
diversified, scenery on the continent,
tWould seem sufficient dover for one
county, but from actual tests, and the
opinions of Geological, and scientific ex-
perts, her mineral wealth is more abun-
dant, and diversified; for in the language
of an enthusiastic investigator, she is
marble bottomed, iron and palena ribbed,
and gold streWn, and in her capacioas
ASgsm she holds treasures which are 10
cause transformations greater than ever
did Aladdin's wonderful lamp. Capital
lists are now rapidly investing in her soil
and mineral wealth, and the influx will
be greater as the summer months
advance. With two converging lines of
railway, and Murphy as the objective
point, she occupies commanding posi-
ton, at the confluence of the Hiawassee
and Valley Rivers. With the lofty peaks
of the Blue Ridge in the distance, nestled
amid hills, intersected with romantic
O0llS, duO lovely nOCk6 buo duOTuS pic
ture worthy the artists hand or the
painters brush. Murphy is undoubtedly
entering on new era of progress, and
her business men fully aware of it are
equal to the emergency Many new
buildings are in course of erection, ard
large hotel is projected. Real estate is
selling rapidly at good prices. Murphy
does considerable business, and her
merchants are genial and full of activity.
Her citizens are kind and Lospitable,
and their interests are represented
through the medium of a well edited
paper-the Bulletin. Clay county was
once portion of Cherokee and is one of
the best counties in the West. Rich in
mineral resources, and fine farming
lands, she possesses all the elements of
greatness; and is proverbial for the intel
Iigence of her citizens, and the high
moral grade of her society. The blend
ing of Puritan and Cavalier" reduces no
better record than is found in her
citizens Much of this is due to their
educational facilities; for the good people
of Clay find that education pays, and
have kept an excellent school at Hayes
vile for years. At the camp ground
near HaYesville the Methodists annually
hold d meeting, tenting in true camp
meeting style, and dispensing lavish
hospitality. This is the Mecca for the
country, and the weary
Randerer from his native suil retraces
his steps on this important occasion to
renew the scenes of his youth, and join
in the worship of his fathers Sod. We
are inteFestedly watching the develop
ment of our grand country; and we need
tue assistance of industrious immigrants
and capitalists. Sectionalism has been
blotted out of our. vocabulary, and we
extend fraternalc greeting to all good
people who decide to cast in their, lots
with oHrs Wishing your paper continu
ed success, and the patronage it SO richly
deserves, I am with much respect.
Yours truly. Mon
BFaastown, Cherokee county, N. c.,
/.